The British Fashion Council (BFC) today announces four menswear designers who have been awarded Fashion Forward sponsorship to show at the inaugural London Collections: Men in June. This is the first time Fashion Forward sponsorship will be dedicated to a group of menswear designers. The three new winners will join current recipient James Long, who was the first menswear designer to receive sponsorship last season. Fashion Forward winners receive access to business support provided by the BFC as well as a cash prize to assist in showing their spring/summer 2013 collections.
Fashion Forward, supported by the Mayor of London, was established 6 years ago to provide funding to talented emerging British designer businesses for showcasing support and to develop their businesses in London. To be eligible, designers will either have progressed through NEWGEN or NEWGEN MEN, or be at a similar stage in their business. Fashion Forward is a key BFC initiative and has been instrumental in developing and sustaining the growth of emerging design talent.
Winners Comments
Christopher Shannon, “It’s very rewarding to be one of the first menswear designers to receive the Fashion Forward Award, it shows how far Menswear in the city has come. There is now an incredible network of support which means designers can finally turn collections and ideas into viable businesses, I hope it all continues to grow and develop.”
Patrick Grant Creative Director for E. Tautz, “This is an important prize, and the previous winners list reads like a roll call of London’s brightest fashion talent. Menswear is tough and the competition have bags of cash so support like this makes a big difference. It means a better collection and a better show, and that is all we are trying to achieve.”
J.W. Anderson, “Winning Fashion Forward gives me a very powerful platform to be able to show as part of London Menswear fashion. The award is important for taking my brand to another level.”
James Long, “I’m very excited to receive the first Menswear Fashion Forward Award, its great to take the brand to the next level and be part of the on going support from the British Fashion Council – Thank you.”